It was such a pleasure for me to spend last weekend in Pitesti. Even though I wasn't feeling well, I was so happy to get to attend the church of some IM colleagues, Florin and Avery Soare and Vali Cazacu, and have the opportunity to see more of their ministry with the Roma gypsies there. Sunday evening there were around 60 gypsy kids, ages 5-18, at the location where they meet. Because the gypsies are shunned by the general population they can't take the gypsies to church in their neighborhood and they can't bring their church into the gypsy neighborhood. So just a handful of them go to serve every Sunday evening through songs and stories and lessons and love.
It was a blessing for me to hear just a bit of the story of their pastor, Cristi, whose father was a gypsy king and after salvation, left the lifestyle. In general, it's a life of thievery and physical and sexual abuse, but because these people are shunned, nothing is really done to help those who sincerely need help- like the women and children. So for these kids to be able to come and hear that Cristi's father left that lifestyle and is a part of normal society and for them to see Cristi and his family-it's a very important thing for them. Plus, that man has a great love for God and more energy than is healthy! It was a joy and privilege to see their service there.
1 comment:
What an opportunity to visit and get to know, even a little bit, these wonderful people. I'm so glad you were able to visit. Love you!
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